Compiled by Julia Kendall*, Co-Chair, Citizens for a Toxic-Free Marin.
Phone: (415) 485-6870.
Reference: Lance Wallace, Environmental Protection Agency;
Phone (703) 341-7509. Excerpts from “Health Hazard Information.”
References: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Provided with permission
by Barbara Wilkie [email protected] of the Environmental Health Network (of California).
[*NOTE: Julia Kendall died July 12, 1997 from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Leukemia caused by pesticide poisoning.]
Symptoms of exposure are taken from industry-generated Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
[ Greatest Herbs On Earth Note: Material Safety Data Sheets are governement and industry required informational sheets when using any type of chemical in the creation process. These sheets show, among other things, the toxicity of the chemicals used, proper handling, and much more ]
Relevant Facts: This will help you understand the following information!
CNS = Central Nervous System, your brain and spine. CNS disorders include: Alzheimer’s Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Dementia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Seizures, Strokes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. CNS exposure symptoms include: aphasia, blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, headaches, hunger, memory loss, numbness in face, pain in neck and spine.
Principal chemicals found in Fabric Softeners/Dryer Sheets are:
ALPHA-TERPINEOL – Causes CNS (central nervous system) disorders… “highly irritating to mucous membranes” …”Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema.” Can also cause “excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache.” “Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact.”
BENZYL ACETATE – Carconigenic (linked to pancreatic cancer). “From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough.” “In mice: hyperanemia of the lungs.” “Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic
effects.” “Do not flush to sewer.”
BENZYL ALCOHOL – Causes CNS disorders …”irritating to the upper respiratory tract”…”headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure.”
Article Continued In Next Column
Your Health Freedom May Be At Risk! Check Our CODEX/Activism Section | Main Articles Page |
Back To Top
CAMPHOR – Causes CNS disorders. On EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Symptoms: “local irritant and CNS stimulant” …”readily absorbed through body
tissues” …”irritation of eyes, nose, and throat” …”dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions”. “Avoid inhalation of vapors.”
CHLOROFORM – Neurotoxic. Anesthetic. Carcinogenic. on EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. “Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing. Do not breathe vapors …Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness.” “Inhalation can be fatal.” “Chronic effects of overexposure may include kidney and/or liver damage.” “Medical conditions generally aggravated by exposure: kidney disorders, liver disorders, heart disorders, skin disorders.” “Conditions to avoid: Heat…” Listed on California’s Proposition 65.
ETHYL ACETATE – Narcotic. On EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. “…Irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract” …”may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)”…”may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys”. “Wash thoroughly after handling.”
LIMONENE – Carcinogenic. “Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer.” “Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking …applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor.”
LINALOOL – Narcotic. Causes CNS disorders. …”respiratory disturbances” …”Attracts bees.” “In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression …depressed heart activity…development of respiratory disturbances leading to death.”
PENTANE – “Danger – Harmful if inhaled …Avoid breathing vapor.” “Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness. Repeated
inhalation of vapors may cause CNS depression. Contact can cause eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis (skin rash).”
